Stars of The Wizard of Oz production in Aberystwyth have met with local children to encourage them to follow the reading book road.
Dorothy and her friends, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, took time out of rehearsal to encourage parents to give children the gift of reading this Christmas.
The message comes as the Welsh Assembly Government develops its four year National Literacy Plan. The Strategy sets out how literacy standards are to be raised in Wales in the future.
Education Minister Leighton Andrews said:
“We want children in Wales to develop a love of reading, especially boys, who we know can sometimes be reluctant readers.
“We want parents to make time to read with their children, with just ten minutes a day making a huge difference to their reading skills.
“Books are now competing with the latest computer games and TV shows, which can make reading seem like a less exciting alternative. We want to show children that reading can be fun and doesn’t just have to involve books – reading comics, magazines and websites make a difference too.
“I’m grateful that the cast of the Wizard of Oz are taking time out of their busy festive schedule to spread the message that reading from an early age stands young people in good stead for the future.”
